Last year the pair cycled more than 500 miles from Barcelona, Spain to Nice, France, to raise £1,000 for the Brake road safety charity, before being inspired to go one massive step bigger.

Their route will take them across some of the Earth’s most inhospitable and remote regions – as well as through some of its most scenic areas.

While their outward leg will take them from New York to Los Angeles along the legenday Route 66, their return leg will see them cycle across the vast expanse of the Outback and the plains of Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia.

The duo aim to raise more than £18,000 for charity, the equivalent of £1 for every mile they cycle.

The pair have so far raised almost £4,500 for the charity through store collections, sponsorship and donations and a cycle ride in collaboration with Newport Social Cycling.

Rob said: “Cycling around the world has been a dream and goal of mine for a few years.

“Ever since I finished my degree in accountancy in 2010, it has always been in the back of my mind to one day see it through.

“Now that I have the desire and backing of family and friends, and nothing holding me back, as you’re only young once, I think it’s the right time to do it.”

According to the Guinness World Records, an Around the World cycle must include more than 18,000 miles travelled by bicycle.

“We’re more than confident that our chosen route is a lot more than 18,000 miles,” added Rob.

“This is by far the biggest challenge I have set for ​myself and it will probably be one of the toughest. You may ask why see the world by bicycle? My answer to that is simple, I don’t want to miss out on anything when travelling through new and exciting countries.

“By choosing a bicycle as my mode of transport I can ensure that I will be able to capture every moment and experience that the world has to offer.”

The highlight of the trip, he said, would be arriving in Singapore.

Explaining the reasons behind their fundraising effort, he added: “Almost everyone has or has known someone, friend or family member, that has had or passed away as a result of cancer and the money we raise will go to help fund the exceptional work of more than 4,000 doctors, nurses and scientists who strive daily to one day cure all known cancers.”

Ryan said the vast journey was a natural step after their previous challenge.

“After cycling from Barcelona to Nice I decided it’s time to go one step bigger and cycle around the world.

“Cycling is the only form of transport where you can actually feel what it must be like to live in a particular country, hopping on and off a plane/ bus/ train is just too easy and you miss out all the bits in between, and the majority of the time you only get to see and feel the ‘touristy” places’.”

By yesterday the pair had reached central France, having already racked up some 400 road miles.